LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Allen County Engineer’s Office has outlined its road work plan for 2026.
The nearly $2.7 million plan includes 9.1 miles of paving and 85 miles of chip seal work on county and township roads. The annual meeting pools the work of the Allen County commissioners, townships and the engineer’s office to coordinate the project and secure more competitive bids.
The total cost is up from $2.4 million last year. Allen County Engineer Brion Rhodes says the amount can vary year to year, depending on available funding and the county’s needs. He adds rising material costs could present challenges this year, as the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to drive up prices for fuel and other materials.
"Last year, a lot of the townships had some paving work they were doing through OPWC (Ohio Public Works Commission), so their funds were a little lower last year. This year, they have a little more money to spend," Rhodes said. "We're always trying to stretch our dollars as much as we can, and that's why we pool our work together through this road program. But with the conflict in Iran, we're never sure, or anytime, what the prices will be. We do know that by pooling together, our prices will be lower."
Allen County commissioners are expected to consider a resolution to approve the road program at their next meeting.
